Consolidated history of the PGH Harlequins

History of the Pittsburgh Harlequins

1973 – Harlequins founded at University of Pittsburgh Law School – Name: Pitt Law School RFC – played first season at Trees Field behind Trees Hall, then at North Park, and then at the Police field above Pitt Stadium; John McDonald was coach

1974 – Name changed to The University of Pittsburgh RFC (enter dental school), and Jean Pierre Pontier became our coach.

1975 – Name changed to The Pittsburgh Royals RFC, for one season (second choice was “The Pittsburgh Pink”),

1975 – Name changed to The Pittsburgh Harlequins RFC (enter all walks of life)

1995 – Pittsburgh Harlequins Rugby Football Association, Inc. founded – 30 Harlequins donate $1,000 each for the purpose of acquiring a field:
(1) for playing Harlequin rugby, and (2) to create a means to generate funds for supporting youth rugby and maintaining the field.

1996 – First youth program at Braddock; local Foundations provide financial support to fund the building of Founders Field and the Center for Athletic Achievement

1997 – 4 youth programs, 7 high school boys programs, 5 high school girls programs, all staffed by Harlequin volunteers

1999 – Founders Field opens

1999/2002 Joined Major League Rugby to coincide with MWRFU league play